This Guide was last updated on 23 April 2010To explore this Wine Travel Guide, select from the menu on the left

Main grape varieties

Red

Carignan
Thrives well on the hills on schist soils. It produces lively, aromatic and tannic wines with good colour when grown on old vines with low yields. Was being systematically pulled up for decades but, as there are more and more, characterful, single-variety wines being made (plus the fact that an imminent “rule” change will mean Syrah is no longer mandatory in AOC red blends), some growers are now replanting it.

Syrah
Ripens early and tends to get overripe except at altitude. However, when vinified carefully it gives wines with rich colour, peppery perfume and good structure. Plantings are on the increase.

Mourvèdre
This late ripener, which ripens well in south-facing vineyards, grows best on pebbly slopes where it is less likely to suffer from the effects of drought. It produces wines with good colour, structure and aromas.

Grenache
Thrives in dry conditions, but it is susceptible to disease. The wines are rich in aromas and texture. Used for both Roussillon reds and rosés and notably for Banyuls.

Cinsault
Results in supple, light wines and is particularly suited for rosé production.

Lladoner Pelut
Used in the blend for some Côtes du Roussillon wines, it is quite similar (and believed to be related) to Grenache, but less prone to disease. Plantings are small, but on the increase.

White

Grenache Blanc
Used in blends to add supple fruit and body.

Grenache Gris
This orangey-pinkish-grey skinned variety almost became extinct due to thoughtless pulling-up, but it is now treasured by growers at the forefront of a quality dry white wine renaissance. Grenache Gris gives lovely exotic fruit and spicy intensity and responds well to fermentation or ageing in barrel.

Tourbat
Also known as Malvoisie du Roussillon, a traditional (and slowly disappearing) variety used occasionally in Côtes du Roussillon and in Vin Doux Naturel blends.

Macabeu
Useful blending ingredient for Roussillon whites, especially old-vine fruit which adds aromatic and mineral qualities, and increasingly on its own in a new generation of barrel-fermented wines.

Muscat of Alexandria
Sometimes less fine than Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains, used for both Rivesaltes VDN and for Muscat Sec. It can be quite successful for dry wines providing aniseed characters and fresh structure.

COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMERThis information is provided free of charge, however it is strictly the copyright of Wine Travel Guides and its contributors. We try to do our best in keeping our guides and information up-to-date and accurate, but if you notice any mistakes, please contact us. Note that we take no responsibility for any inaccuracies. Thanks for your respect and understanding. For full details see our Terms and Conditions.